His focus was on the red-tailed hawk that was perched on his arm. The hawk, named Aldora, was nearly killed 12 years ago. O’Malley emphasized the impact of wildlife rehabilitation.

“Back in 2001, Aldora was struck by a car and blinded in his left eye,” O’Malley said. “The guy who hit Aldora brought him to an animal hospital and today he is doing great.”

One of the amazing success stories has been the comeback of the bald eagle in New Jersey.

In 1970, the population of eagles in the state was down to a single nesting pair as a result of the now-banned chemical DDT, which the eagles consumed through the food chain. However, today there are 120 nesting eagle pairs statewide, the majority in South Jersey.

According to the census, 335 individual eagles were counted in 2012 — 45 in North Jersey and 290 in South Jersey.

Forty-five percent of all bald eagle nests in New Jersey are located in Cumberland and Salem counties, some of the state’s most rural areas that are located along the Delaware River and Bay and contain thousands of acres of marsh and lakes favored by eagles.

Festival Chairman Leslie Ficcaglia of Maurice River Township wants to continue such strides by conveying the importance of all living things habitating an ecosystem.

“We are all interwoven,” Ficcaglia said. “Conserving the population and habitat of all things living in our surrounding environment is vital because if a single species is lost, it is unknown how that might affect other species — including our own.”

Ficcaglia gave an example of how losing a single species could affect humans.

“Another issue we are facing right now is with the horseshoe crab,” Ficcaglia noted. “The horseshoe crab’s blood is used as a medical device to test for bacteria that may remain even after sterilization so their survival is highly important.”

The prehistoric-looking crabs lay their eggs in the sands along the Delaware Bay shoreline, but their numbers have dwindled in recent years.

Ficcaglia is also one of many “nest watchers” who take on the responsibility of overseeing bird nests around the area and report anything potentially harmful to a bird’s environment.

Ficcaglia avoids being bogged down by the politics that sometimes surround environmental issues.

“I just do what I can,” Ficcaglia said. “I think the idea of climate change and taking care of the environment is gaining, but I understand the frustration that is felt when people are told how they should treat their property. It’s about balance. What we are doing is for the greater good.”

One particular spot that faces obstacles is the Turkey Point Wildlife Area in Downe Township, known as a prime spot for observing a hawk called the Northern Harrier. During the festival, bird watchers went out to Turkey Point and noted that the Northern Harrier’s population is declining due to Superstorm Sandy, which wiped out much of the Northern Harrier’s rodent food supply.

But as the group of bird enthusiasts stood out on the small wooden bridge at Turkey Point looking out at the vast winding river, gratitude was expressed for such a place.

“Industries trying to move in, harsh weather — it is a difficult task to maintain this place,” said Cape May County resident Susan Merriam. “But there is so much beauty out here. You can't avoid it. It’s humbling. People come here from all over the world to enjoy this place and I am thankful for those working to conserve it.”